Stone Mosaics in Bathroom - sealing

[judy]

Hi wonder if anyone can help me. I'm having some travetine stone mosaics put in my bathroom and when I asked the plumber if he was going to seal them, he said he would do this after grouting. Is this correct, I thought they were supposed to be sealed before and after grouting or doesn't it really matter??

Also while he has gone to another job, he said I can still use the bath and the tiles would be ok as long as I didnt splash too much water about! Whilst i'm not splashing water about they are getting covered in condensation when I have a bath - will this do them any harm as they have not been sealed.

[doug boardley]

I seal travertine after grouting Judy, not before. Water splashes won't harm them.

[Alan.P]

As Doug for me to, seal after grouting, one thing though, make sure you allow enough time before last use of the bath and sealing so they can dry first.

[whitebeam]

I seal them the next day just so they can dry out after grouting

[Ken Bruty]

Hi Judy, they can be sealed before and after grouting or after grouting, it depends on the experience of the tile fixer. If he's inexperienced with stone, I would recommend sealing before and after grouting to ensure that if the grout is left on a little too long, it's still possible to remove the grout fairly easily, and as mentioned a little moisture won't harm the tiles but may delay them drying out, as they need to be dry for sealing.

[Dave]

Just to add , if they are tumbled and unfilled then sealing them can hinder the adherence of the grout into the tiny holes..

[judy]

Thanks to all of you for your help, you have eased my mind. Hopefully they will look good when he has finished, thats if he ever comes back !